Fun Marathon

 

JJC

Your Friendly Neighbourbood School

Fun began on Friday afternoon when I met up with Yu Su to go back to JJC to collect my cert. Never did I know how much I missed JJ until I stepped into that school again after 1.5 years...

That I took photos of the school which used to be so familiar, I didn't take notice.

A Glimpse of JJ

4 Houses

At the grand stand overseeing our 500K (or according to YS 2M? Lol can't rem) synthetic field which had an ongoing Inter-JC soccer match and classes doing their PC running round the new track muahaha...

Our flying fox which the graduating batch was supposed to slide down!!!

Clean and green. That's the library in front.

 

LT5! Nicest LT. A few of us used to play on the stage when no one was there hehe. There's a grand piano behind the curtain too.

Corridor leading to the canteen.

 

Bare, or rather, neat garden surrounded by classrooms.

*New!*

 

*New too!*

Me and YuSu at the grandstand. Nice dimples she has!

A Glimpse Into The Past

So miss wearing school U...

Hard at work. LOL... Riiiiight....

Hehe cute. (^;^)v

A Glimpse Of JJ's Teachers

Ms Wun our Biology teacher! The brightest and most brilliant teacher ever! So happy that she got promoted to become the HOD of Science. YES!

(Didn't get to see them so took pictures of their pictures =P)

Serene Ng Xiao Wei our Chemistry teacher. Very patient and fun to bully, aka friendly. Lol... Yang was appointed Chem rep by her. *Ahem*

Mr Seah a PE teacher who is fun to play with. Someone whom I got a little closer to due to my frequent ponning of PE. It's a total irony. lol..

*Drumroll* Not forgetting our cutest DM cum maths teacher Mr Lee! A teacher who can joke with a serious face.

Managed to see him at the concourse!!! As usual busy with his civil defense things.. lol... Here is him with his classic pose. He really loves this pose.

So happy to see him and vice versa. He wanted to treat us to the whole canteen. Lol. In the end we had ice cream while he talked and talked for almost an hour. He really loves talking. 

While telling us about his present life in JJ, he stood and went over to a guy who was bouncing a bball. As expected, he SHOUTED at him to stop bouncing. After which he came back to our table and continue his monologue. Lol. Talk about randomness.

He inforced his topic on the Art of Scolding (Ma ren de yi su) to us again as we listened patiently. LOL...  Once his students, always his students!!!! He actually welcomed us back to attend his lectures! Anybody interested? Hehe.

Drop by JJ to visit if you're free!!!!!!! I could feel the warm JJ spirit muaha. Even the canteen vendors remembered us! And the friendly drink store auntie even offered us drinks! Hehe. Chatted up with the security guard too at the gate as we were leaving... Everyone was so approachable and friendly!

I have ying-sui-si-yuan-ed, what about you?

Wahahahaha... -_-

(A literally long entry)

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Performance @ Expo

It was fun to the max. Think it was our best so far too. Glad that everything went well. NO BOMBS!

I woke up on Sunday morning 6am feeling like the happiest person on planet Earth. Lol. Glad that one of my dreams became a reality. NEVER GIVE UP. Keep going against all odds. Accept criticisms with an open heart. NEVER DESPISE THE DAYS OF SMALL BEGINNING.

(Hehe ok ok enough...)

The choir was fantastic too. During Sunday's perf on the 3-bar rests for Cello, I actually closed my eyes and listened to the Hebrew part. Aww... It was really sweet. I wished that moment could last longer.

Hope the audience enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed playing.

(^;^)v

 

Tell me, what's going on inside of me?
I despise my own behavior.

- DC Talk "In The Light"

A Day Gone Wrong

 

Didn't have the strength to face the day. Mentally exhausted I'd say. I need a break to collect back all the pieces of me which I have given out.

Tonight's rehearsal took the remaining remnants of me. Gave my all. Apart from omitting 1 bar and playing an extra note, I think I've improved much more from last week. That was good enough. Kinda made my day a little better...

Me and Marilyn just weren't ourselves tonight. Heh. Well...

Orchestra will once again perform with the adult choir this weekend but only @ Expo. Think it will blow the church off hehe. No doubt, it's been great fun rehearsing. There is a little arrangement in the sitting position of the players... The 3 cellists are now seated in the middle front row, directly under the conductor's nose. 

Hope I won't 'throw bombs' during performance... Eric's stare can dry up every blood vessel in my face.

Yet another emo shot... Hope it can perform magic  just for those 2 days...

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Sunsets

On my way for piano lesson... In front of Gek Poh. (Orange, Pink, Purple, Blue!!!)

An emo shot. Guess where??????? =P 

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3rd month~ =) It's scary how we are starting to think alike and at the same time... (^;^)v

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A SUNnyDAY

Water baptism right at our rooftop garden! (Managed to get a good position to take pictures (^;^)v)

6 from my cg!!! Congrats!!!!!

Celine and I (^;^)v (Look at the background... It was a bright sunshiny day!)

Sermon today was about the danger of procrastination!!! Our 'next year' will never come. Till our skin sags and our hair greys, IT WILL NEVER COME!!! (Esp for me...)

SO! I have made a decision to JOIN THE HALF MARATHON this year!!!! (Quite scary to announce it here though LOL...) Wanted to join the previous year but due to my knee and ankle injury (on the same leg) + various excuses, I didn't. However, it seems a little ambitious to run 21km cos I'm usually a short dist runner........

who sprints off like a frightened cockroach upon hearing the gun shot. Wahahaha...

Wanted to run just 10km, but Joe gave a DON'T-WANT-LA!!!! look and challenged me for the half marathon. Hence, training commenced tonight!!!!

Third jog of the week... And tonight I discovered I can run faster and longer by looking up at the sky instead of ahead... Oh man don't visualize that lol... Should try it... But be careful not to trip lol... 

After 36 minutes of run.....

LOL.... Can you see the lethargic cum satisfied look? LOL.. Yes! Broke my record for previous and present year! Aiming to run 38 mins next! 2 more mins... (^;^)v

I miss the old garang-about-sports me and those siao-on days... It will always be lurking in my blood, ever ready to manifest itseif... Muaha...

(This entry is so fun!!! lol... Thanks to Edmund for introducing the application on his blog.. lol)

 *God listens when we talk to Him... And He replies in a still small voice... He knows our every thought and desire... Be still, oh my soul... And know that He is God.*

Went for ACJC's Fun-O-Rama with Elgin... The whole school was bursting with life! Can't help but love it too. Hahaha.

So opposite of JJC...

But still JJ has the BEST teachers ever!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lol... (It's subjective)
We have the cutest DM too!!! (^;^)v

If any jjcian is reading this, WANNA GO BACK VISITING SOON?!?! (Yet to collect my cert) Drop me a msg... I miss Serene Ng!, Sally Chua (YES yes...), MS WAN! and beloved MR LEE (DM cum Maths teacher)!!! I used to have consultations with him in the afternoons and sometimes he would doze off while teaching!!! Lol... Cute or what? But sigh, think he must be quite disappointed with my grade... =(

The teachers really sacrificed a lot for us, or rather for me... Cos I was always the model-student-wannabe-but-cannot-be. (Not very proud of that =P)

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*Sian...*

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I was finally awakened today. My piano practical exam is just a short 3 months (12 weeks = 12 lessons) away. It's scary how time flies!!! Gotta be more time-conscious.

Exam break-down:
3 pieces (85% prepared)
Scales (50%)
Aural (0%)
Sight-reading (0%)

We don't have forever to accomplish what we want to.

Prioritize!
Discipline!

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Heard over Class 95 while jogging tonight...

"It's not about how much love you have in the beginning, but how much love you have built till the end."

It reminded me of the word "Honeymoon".

Let us analyse it. (^;^)v

I'm normally optimistic, but this word seems to have a lot of hidden meaning behind it. It sounds almost ominous. Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, a snake in the grass. (3 animals in 1 sentence!!!)

Do you think it implies a harbinger to hardships? A free-fall from heaven to earth/hell?

Let us break down the word. (^;^)v

Honey, from what I've been taught/observed, burns easily under high temperature and leaves behind a black sticky carcinogenic substance. Ever barbequed chicken wings with marinated honey?! They may look deceivingly yummy but once you peel/poke/pry open the thin layer of skin, what you see may utterly turn you off.

+

Moon, in my own opinion, signifies night time -> darkness. See, in the dark it's hard to see clearly. (Sounds weird =P) It's hard to see a person's true colours.

So all in all, "honeymoon" is a dangerous word. (Lol... From a different point of view.) When the sun rises, when the truth is exposed... When you're back to earth, back to reality...

Can you still handle it???

(^;^)v

Lol...

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Just read some of Billy Joel's lyrics off his website. Haha, one of the random things I do sometimes - reading lyrics.

To me they are just like poems with added melodies. Of course I was only refering to more mature songwriters... You can really dig out some interesting ideas/scenarios and it always amazes me how they put the words just right in place...

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They were all impressed with your Halston dress
And the people that you knew at Elaine's
And the story of your latest success
Kept 'em so entertained
Aw but now you just can't remember
All the things you said
And you're not sure you want to know
I'll give you one hint, honey
You sure did put on a show

- Billy Joel's "Big Shot" (Nice one.)

They say that no one's gonna play this on the radio
They said the melancholy blues were dead and gone
But only songs like these
Played in minor keys
Keep those memories holding on

- Billy Joel's "Baby Grand" (I love the minor keys!)


I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are

- Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are"

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And many more... Hehehe. Check out his website located at the right column. Must promote!!!!!

A Little Rant

Randomly sent my blanket/comforter for washing on Friday. On top of having to spend $12, I have to wait for a good 1 WEEK to get it back.

?!?!?!

Now it gets really cold (and un-comforter-ble) in the middle of the night... And I have 5 more nights to go through!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL... Just one of the stupid things I do sometimes........ Wahahahahahaha...

Oh well..........

It's been so long since I last had a MSN marathon... It's 3 am already and I'm still online talking to a friend... A lot of thoughts to be sorted out.

It's Good Friday!!!!!! I don't have to set my alarm clock!!!!!!!!!!! Wiu.

Cheers.

The best time to play piano/cello is after 1am... Which I just did, cos I needed to.

Just need to get out of this world for a moment... To enter into my Secret Garden... My Narnia.

Once in a while, I just need to.

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Went Esplanade library again... Finished up my book finally. Borrowed another one, hope it's as nice. Listened to Billy Joel as I read, I like his songs. He's very real and his songs are very personal. Some of his songs have a hint of rebellion which I quite like. I'll buy his cd next.

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Books and music... Am I boring or what? Hahaha... Oh well. I love me like that. Nothing's gonna change that I guess.

Just applied for NUS-Arts and NTU's Mass Comm and English Lit. Best choices for me I think. Spells more books.

My vision is deterioriating. I need a pair of specs!!!

Information overload.

My mind's in a disarray.

Too many things happening at once... Sometimes, I can't catch up. Sometimes, I feel misunderstood.

I've made my number a 24-hour hotline for some... No matter how tired/busy I am, I want to be there when needed. *Recalling "the boy and the starfish" story*

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Elgin gave me a surprise call tonight using his office number LOL... Saw (or rather, heard) the stupid + silly side of me... LOL... *Blush* Oh welllll.... Perhaps I was/am subconsciously having a lot of thoughts at the back of my head so I blabbered some rubbish... LOL... Had a good laugh at myself and that made my day hehe.

Aiya, for those who know me, it's not uncommon for me to do stupid things once in a while. =P

Can you handle it? Muahahahahaha...

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Realised I've been blogging a lot... Perhaps it's just my way of clearng my mind...

Left a few chapters to go for my storybook... The murderer is still at large. That's the fun part, isn't it. I'm quite sad that the story will come to a close soon. It is a brilliant one. Gotta be in the hunt for another of her book soon. Hehe.

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Cancelled cello lesson today to go for a retail therapy with a colleague... My mind is saturated, suffocating. Am I weak or what?

That means no music activities for this week. A good break maybe.

- End of Gibber -

God will make a way

God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His word will still remain
He will do something new today.



A reminder to us that God's way is always higher than ours,

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

1 Corinthians 1:25

Life's like that. Sometimes you rise, sometimes you fall. Whatever it is, the sun still rises and the wind still blows.

I'll be here.

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Was presented with yet another challenge. Sometimes it's not a matter of whether I can or cannot... But rather am I willing? Am I willing to let God have His ways in my life.... Stepping into the unknown.... Trusting and clinging onto Him for dear life....

Obedience requires action.

*Whole-body-soul-and-mind preparation in process.*

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Mentally drained after my theory paper...

Did some last minute prep last night and for some weird reasons, I kept staring at this German word "Lebhaft". Had no idea why it bothered me so much. German language is a total gone case for me cos it's totally different from English, so it's hard to remember what it means... (Hope Linda is coping well in Germany!!!!!) Especially since I only memorized last night.

Anyway, *surprise* it really appeared in the paper! At first I was really mad at my mental block, couldn't believe I couldn't remember even after staring at it for so long last night. Lol... I hate mental blocks. Lol... So I prayed... Almost begging God to tell me the answer. In the end I had the impression that it meant 'lively' so I wrote down. Turned out to be correct!!! LOL... PTL...

But they actually asked for "Etwas Lebhaft" which means "Somewhat lively" but I put "VERY lively" LOL... So 2 marks gone for "etwas". Hahaha... Don't remember ever seeing that word anyway..

The rest were somewhat ok... Hope to get a Dist.

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HMV is having sales!!!!!

After browsing through many music stores with Elgin and not buying any... I finally gave in to temptation. Lol... Selected a stack of CDs but it's quite painful to spend so much at one go... So I bought 2 only. Lol....

Hurry while stocks last!!!

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Back to reading alone at Esplanade. At Chapter 59 of 80. The detectives are still trying to find out who is the murderer who killed 2 people!!! Investigation in process!!!! Hmmm... *Wonder who* Lol...

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Pardon me... Just destressing...

My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak.

I'm physically lethargic, but inside of me I wanna do so many things. Or rather, I have so many things yet to be accomplished. Somehow it seems like everyday's a Monday.

Days are passing by too quickly, I have lost track of time... It was until this evening while having my final theory lesson with my piano teacher that I was fully awakened that my theory exam is actually really just tomorrow. Aiming for a Distinction and hope to make my teacher proud cos of her sacrifice for me - I'm the only student she takes after 7pm + she has a family with 2 young boys... =( + it's a Friday.

Took a 35-mins walk home with 101 thoughts flashing through my mind... How can I be focused when different things are screaming for my attention? If being focused means neglecting other things and following your dream/aim/target, then isn't that being selfish... Or do you become a do-it-all and lose your focus...

Please share your views.

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Just when I felt like/was a zombie, someone came up to me on msn...

"hi"
"hey "
"u know hor... every time u say hi... there is so much energy in you...."

I told him it was only his imagination. Hahaha... *nods* But strangly after that I really felt more alive... Lol....

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Anyway, Marilyn, please don't become a musician- gone-mad and follow the footsteps of the early composers. Hahahaha... Did anyone of them come and possess you or what...?

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Ok gotta study for exam later... Back to the old school days of using a pencil and an eraser. =)

Just applied for iBanking, and so I can check on the coming in and going out of my $$$. The amount of transactions I did is appalling. (0.0)

It's good to keep track of your bank account so as to realise you are not as rich as you think you are... ='( Lol... And hence will not have the tendency to spend like you are. But I'm contented. =P

I'd say most of my $$$ goes to God, music and food. Top 3 essentials for my survival. Lol... Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.

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They say "You can run, but you can't hide."

Truth, like how Pst Kong illustrated, is like a ball. No matter how hard we try to suppress it under water, it will eventually resurface.

Recently, my heart broke when I discovered that someone has been lying to me. Someone whom I placed high hope in. I come to realise it's dangerous to expect too much from a person... And now I'm also confused, what does it really mean to "believe in someone"?

Open for discussion!

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And please guess what is (oio) !!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL..

Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies.
~Edward George Bulwer-Lytton

Its language is a language which the soul alone understands, but which the soul can never translate.
~Arnold Bennett

If I were to begin life again, I would devote it to music. It is the only cheap and unpunished rapture upon earth.
~Sydney Smith

Phew. Exhaustion.

8 March 2008. A day I'll never forget. Had a personal breakthrough in cello playing and the performance went well. We were at the 2nd level playing in a single row during the arrival of the GOH at the foyer below. Interesting! Haha.

..

Played again at the foyer during his departure but it was quite distracting as people were walking so near me... Just beside me actually... hahaha. But overall a fun experience. (^;^) v

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Something happened at night which I will never ever forget!!! *Blush* Something which I thought would only happen on TV~ Gosh... Lol....................

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HAPPY 21st!

Loads of food prepared by her dad

A very happy birthday girl. Lol.. Picture perfect~ (^;^) v

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Travelled from the wild west to the far east just for someone... LOL... And bought a gift which she already has... I'd like to think that... GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE. *nods* LOL.... Oops.

Had piano lesson tonight... And I actually dozed off while my teacher was going through the theory with me... =) Amazingly, I could still hear her talk and answer her questions accordingly...

(^;^) v

Lol....... My latest act cute design.

Just a year ago, I came up with this.

(oio)

Can anyone guess what is that? LOL........~~

Just had a little chat with my cello teacher... (Ya at this odd time.) Told him about the performance this Saturday... (90% playing cello alone...) He gave me a few tips which I thought would be helpful for me. Lol...

1) Whatever happens, don't give the 'Crap!!!' look.
2) ACT PRO
3) It's just an orchestra performance

Noted. Wahaha... (^;^)

Doesn't mean I won't play my best... Please no mental block!!!!!!!

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!!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! *Loves*

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Did some reflection and thinking today...

When so many things are happening all at once, we gotta brake and think.

Sigh.

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Attempted to read my book on the way home... But those words didn't register in my head... So I stopped after 1 paragraph. At Chapter 36 of 80 now... I must read every book by Mary Higgins Clark. *Nods*

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Charged Elgin's iPod last night and was listening to Sun's song whenever I travel today... Her songs are so nice. I don't seem to get sick listening to them repeatedly hehe. I must improve my Chinese language. *Nods*

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Days are passing by so quickly!

Home is where I recharge myself, to face the challenges of tomorrow...

But it's also where I hardly spend time in...

Received a late notice to perform at Presbyterian High this coming Saturday. Don't know what's the occasion though. There'll only be a small group of us... Probably around ~20 and I'd probably be the only cellist...

Hope Elgin can go! Then I won't be so stressed. Haha.

Hope that @*&#(@*&!!!! terrorist will be caught soon!!! Then Elgin won't have to be called back so often...

Otherwise I'd just take it as an opportunity to step out of my very comfy zone and not have others as clutches.

I've been going slowly and steadily... (Perhaps too slowly? =P) Give me some more time... =)

. .. ... .... .....

Schedule for this week is well-squeezed... But with things I love doing, so it's isn't bad at all. Heh.

Mind's blanking... Off... Nite...

-ET and Alien-

Weiwen's 20th Birthday Celebration ytd

Heh. Been sticking together in the same cg for 3 years already. Lol...

. .. ... .... .....

Love is in the air~~~

*grin*

My love for...... My cello... Is renewed!!!

(And no Marilyn, my teacher didn't perform any magic on me... =P)

Heh. After an hour of lesson, I stayed back another hour to just play around! It's one of life's greatest pleasures to be stuck in a room with 2 grands and 1 cello!!! I wish I wish... Sigh.

Never let the passion dies off!!!

Always go back to our first love...

..... .... ... .. .

My bro! He bought a bike today. HAHAHA. Hope he's kind enough to ride this nice sis of his around. Lol....

Warning: The faster the better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Muahahaha

. .. ... .... .....

I love speed, tribal songs and minor keys.

Happy Leap Day.

. .. ... .... .....

My phobia is back again... And it's been haunting me.

The only non-living thing in this world that I fear the most - my cello.

No doubt it brings me much joy... But also, very much more agony.

Recently, someone came up to me and said, "Aileen, keep up the good work... I can see that you're on fire."

It caught me off guard. So I simply went "Oh?" in an unintentional nonchalant manner.

Under 'normal' circumstances, I would smile and say my thank you.

Oh well... Those little encouragements are what keep me going when I feel like giving up. Yup, feel like... And not want to because I never thought of giving up on things I have set my heart into doing.

I have to be strong and fight on... Well, everyone has to.

..... .... ... .. .

To complement my Monday blues, I went reading alone at Esplanade tonight... It's great to have solitary moments. Picked up a book by Mary Higgins Clark - one of my favourite authors. At Chapter 3 now, with growing suspense. Hehe.

In the background was the soothing sounds of the piano seeping out of the practice room. One fine day I shall gather my emoest songs and play there by myself. For those who have experienced the joy of playing music, you'd probably be playing it for life.

The sound of the piano
Cracked the stillness of the night
Filling it with colours!

Hehe.. =) Every time I hear music from the piano my spirit is stirred up! *Can't keep my hands off it!* Hahaha... During the recent lesson, my teacher played me a repertoire and told me that that was going to be my last piece for now until the end of my exam in July... Sian. My heart sank a little... The same feeling when a close friend parts. Sigh... So gotta play it well...

For some reason, I don't like anything electrical sounding hahaha... Like the keyboard... Electric guitar... lol.. Cos it sounds very unoriginal and fake... hahahha... Just personal preference, no offence.

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Learnt a lot this week. Slowly altering my attitude and character. Grateful that I have people who believe in me and give me 2nd chances... I must make the best out of these opportunities to develop more.

..... .... ... .. .

A secret. A responsibility.

(V) Cai n I (V)

...

...

Awww... CAI!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY BESTEST FRIEND FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!! (Now that I'm 21, it seems teenish to say "best friend" or to use the word "forever" lol... but for you it's ok =P) I used to think that our friendship was a divine encounter... (You should know why right? Hehe) And I still think so too. It was amazing how we started off from strangers to friends and then 'promoted' to best friends forever Lol... Those 'glorious' days... I'll never forget. Lol...

...

...

Then you brought me to church! After numerous rejections from me, you still didn't give up. I never know why. That was a big turning point in my life and since then I've never left church. Cos one day in the House of God is better than a thousand days in the world.

...

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8 years of friendship. 8 years of making fun of me. I'm amazed you're still not bored! Lol~ Thanks for sticking around with me, weathering through storms and going through norms. Thanks also for the scrapbook of captured memories!!!!! We have come thus far, from glory to glory lol... Cheers to many great years ahead!!!

...

...

Your faithful friend forever!

Maria/Alien/XiaoBai/Hantu

Burdens lifted after a 2-hour talk with my cgl till 1.30am last night... Phew~ Communication with our leaders is very important, we get to know the reason behind certain things we do or don't do... And each has something to learn from one another.

So case closed. Moving on to greater heights now.

... ... ... ... ... ...

Then at crazy 2am, I unzipped my cello bag and started practising (with my remaining ounce of physical and mental strength) for today's rehearsal.. -_- Cos I know I'd be the only cellist... Eric commented that I've improved so I guess it was worth it.

Thanks again for the cello bow, it's so much better than my previous. =)

... ... ... ... ... ...

Anyway, this is for Zhi Hui (I think you read my blog?). Thanks for the dinner earlier. No matter what you said about yourself, know that I believe in you. Stay strong and fight on. You can do it.

And don't bully me anymore. =P

Some pictures last Sunday night

Lol... With my Gobi cakesss...

Staring at my very long present...

It's a cello bow!!! *Hugs* LOL...

... ... ... ... ... ...

With lots of

love, THANK YOU!!!

... ... ... ... ... ...

+

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So I'm 21. Haha... Still need a little getting-used-to... As I mentioned before, my teenage years were fun but there's something special and interesting in every phase of life. Just perhaps a different kind of fun. ;)

+

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This year's focus is to:

1) get into uni and start studying again.. (Spells nerd-in-the-making)

2) get over my grade 5 piano exam and take grade 7 next year...

3) lay a concrete foundation for cello... (Should I take exam this year......?)

+

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Playing music is bittersweet. It can cause much agony and yet much blissful joy too. But right now I'm leaning towards the former side. Embarking on a music career in Sg seems almost unrealistic. Many times I feel mentally distressed just thinking about my music journey. Should it be Passion over Practicality or vice versa?

+

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Well, whatever it is, I will not give up and will continue this walk for as far as I can go. (Yes Mdm.) My dream is still very much alive and kicking! =) Thanks for your enouragement~

I've always been a fighter. Yes, many times I've failed... But I never like/want to quit. I make sure I stay commited to the things I put my heart into.

However... Recently, I am losing hope in a few things. Have I lost the strength to carry on? Or does it even matter if I stay on?

... ... ... ... ... ...

Sometimes I don't know anymore.

... ... ... ... ... ...

I keep telling myself to think of the primary reasons why I wanted to do certain things. That helps a lot when I feel like giving up. Hang on to the vision, hang on to the dream.

... ... ... ... ... ...

But how long can it last?

... ... ... ... ... ...

It's easy to walk away when difficult situations arise. I've been told, people would naturally choose the way with less resistance. But... I really don't want to do that. I want to walk the narrow path.

... ... ... ... ... ...

Nobody said it was easy.

... ... ... ... ... ...

It's never about me anyway. It's more blessed to give than to receive. We all know this. I'd want to think that it means the giving of oneself as well.

Wow, what a revelation.

Hahahahaha, A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE MY 21st BIRTHDAY SUCH A MEMORABLE, AWW-SOME AND FUN/FUNNY ONE!!!

LOL...

Thank you for organising and coordinating everything!

Thank you for all the gifts as well!!! Hehehe... THE CELLO BOW TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL...

But above all, thank you for the friendships!!!! Lovess...

... ... ... ... ... ...

Hope your Monday is friendly to you. Hehe.

... ... ... ... ... ...

*poof*

I'm turning 21 in a few more hours. Haha. Nice.

Frankly speaking, I feel indifferent or rather nonchalant. Hahaha, the 'addition' of my birthday on top of CNY and Vday makes me feel like I'm running a 'celebration' marathon. Perhaps by tmr I've already cooled down haha.

Anyway, I've always questioned others and myself, what is the significance of turning 21? That everyone has to have big parties? (Btw, I'm so honoured+shy that the nation is throwing a Chingay parade tmr Lol.. Thank you thank you... Lol...) Is it an entrance to adulthood? Or the beginning of living a 'real' life in the 'real' world? Hmmm... Anyone knows?

Hehe, whatever it is, I'm really looking forward to being in my 20s!!! ;)

Happy Belated Valentine's Day to all. =) Could you feel the love in the air last night? Lol...



... ... ... ... ... ...



Talking about musicianship, it's a sad truth that you have to have $$$ and lots of them to learn and play music. Otherwise, you just have to sacrifice some unnecessary luxuries (i.e taking cabs, buying stuff you don't really need..) Thus, it's good to have talents but ultimately it's the $$$ which unlocks the talents and potential in us. Then other 'environment' factors come in, like a condusive place to have quality practices in, to be totally withdrawn from the world for just a while with your instrument. Perhaps, that's too much to ask for in Singapore.



Being almost financially independent (except for HP bills) for a year already, I would say it was a real struggle in the beginning when I bought my cello and paid for my cello and piano lessons. But it was a worthwhile sacrifice. =) I don't feel that I've wasted a cent. It's true that $$$ can't buy us happiness (ya cliche...) cos only God can fill that portion of emptiness in our heart with incomprehensive joy, yet $$$ can enable us to achieve a seemingly far-fetched dream.



For those who are interested in learning music, please do!!! So the the 'supply' will increase... And for those who can teach, please offer a 'spoil market' rate!!! -_-... Lol.... I am really blessed to have my current piano teacher, who is not only passionate about imparting her skills & knowledge, but also gives me 10 extra minutes (almost) every lesson. That is a lot considering I have 40 mintues FOC with her each month. *Grinning like a fortune cat* So I must do her proud and not waste her time. Yup... At least do my best... =)

What do you call the "#" sign?
The # symbols is often referred to as a "number sign" or "pound sign." Its actual name is an octothorpe.

What is a 'bumper sticker?'
In trucking circles, a "bumper sticker" is a tailgater who is following another vehicle too closely.

How much can a camel carry?
Traveling at a rate of 2 to 3 miles per hour, camels can carry 500 to 1,000 pounds on their backs. They are able to keep up this pace for 6 or 7 hours a day. Camels will refuse to carry loads that are not properly balanced.

How strong is an ant?
An ant can lift 50 times its own weight, which is equivalent to a human being pulling a 10-ton trailer.

How large are our lungs?
The lungs of an average adult, unfolded and flattened out, would cover an area the size of a tennis court.

-ArcaMax Trivia

Some random stuff. =) To revive my blog a little. Lol...

A very Happy Chinese New Year to everyone!!!



Hope it's been a great celebration for you.



The best part about this year's cny is that we have a good FOUR days off, other than that it's pretty much 'normal' for me. And like every other events when Chinese families get together, someone is bound to say something unpleasant. Very much like the typical Chinese dramas you see, but maybe slightly less dramatic.



Hence, the best policy (action or procedure conforming to or considered with reference to prudence or expediency www.dictionary.com) is to just shut up and act blur. =) Plus I'm not really interested in knowing things I don't have to know. Yup... Eh but I love the company of my family members, it brought back a lot of childhood memories hehehe....



Anyway, haha. I love today cos I could freely nua at home doing things I love!!!!!! HEHEHE... That was mainly playing the piano as loudly as I wanted. The vision of playing for Jeff during his wedding is quite thrilling and keeps me motivated. So gotta learn a few lovey dovey songs now... Lol.. Any suggestions? Ultimate decision is of course up to him. Hahaha...

So many more things to celebrate.... lol... Life is indeed a big celebration waha...

Some random pictures...

Korean snacks that my Dad brought home.. Looks nice but not. Lol....

Cute Japanese sweets @ Taka podium with Mum

First try at Chinese calligraphy!!! But kena-ed big time from Marilyn, though I think it's not bad lor. LOL.. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Piano @ Fullerton Hotel

@ Chinatown. *Whistle*

@ Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concert Hall with Leon today. Watched the grand finals for concerto competition between a pianist, flutist and violinist. The violinist won... Lol. My dream ignited a little bit more again...

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

On the way home, I realised I have to put in double (or triple) effort in my piano and cello... Sigh.

Some things that are coming up...

- Music theory exam in March

- Orchestra performance in March (Maybe?)

- Orchestra concert in June

- Mini-concert for CG in June (I think...)

- Piano exam in July

- Jeff's wedding in September

- JAMs???

- Zone???

~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Now that I have listed them... I'm awakened. Fully awakened. I can feel it... The weight upon my shoulders... And I have to be responsible for the sound I produce.. Yes. *Heave a sigh of stress*

=== === ===

Whatever things you can do, do your best.

Let God do the things you can't do.

=== === ===

I will always remember this.

Met up with my mum today and we had a fun time laughing together at Taka's podium. LOL.. Some of you may know why. Hehehe. She's really funny la. She knows me the best. Ask her all about my bad habits and she will take a whole day to tell you. Heh. She knows what I like/dislike to eat and do... It's quite unbelievable.

Visited my grandparents 2 days ago too. It was a very heartwarming experience... Their love for me was so tangible, I almost cried. Yup... We should visit them more often, not out of duty, but rather a willing heart.

I've neglected my piano for almost 2 weeks already. I'm frustrated inside really... But I have no appropriate time to practise... and IT'S SAD. Kena-ed from my teacher last week regarding my scales... Oh wellllll.... I really hate to be unprepared for lessons.

... ... ... ... ... ...

But I guess it's worth a sacrifice for God and the people who are important in my life.

... ... ... ... ... ...

Please please please make whatever little time I have for practices be effective!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't need more time... I just need a sound-proofed room with/without a bed, it's totally fineeee....

There are days when you're physically+mentally+emotionally drained and the only thing you wanna do is sleep. (Ok... That's a paradox.) Today was just one of those days...

Attendance for orchestra was bad again, perhaps breaking our record with a strength of 10 or 11. I was the only cellist present so it was kinda stressful, but I managed to survive through and left in one piece. Sigh... Oh well...

"If you have nothing good to say, just shut up."

This sentence rings in my mind once in a while, a reminder for myself to be silent when needed. Gotta be careful of the words we use as words are from within us and they reflect the person we are... And especially since I don't like to make special effort to sugar-coat my words.

Oh well...

The best things on planet Earth to emo with are my piano and cello... Byeee...

A series of unfortunate things happened in my life recently.

To aggravate matters, my afternoon was totally *beep* due to one *beep* *beep* *beep*. (A sudden lack of vocabulary.) Thankfully I had a wonderful night to compensate it...

- Cello lesson (I've improved a little!)

- Went to a CD shop after lesson, one of the shop assistants came up to me, "Wow... that is a giant rocket ship (a.k.a cello) you have ... Don't blast off ah." LOL... Quite cute right. But if he happened to say it's a guitar, I think I'd just walk off the shop. AP.

- Elgin called.

- Mum called right after. Dining with bro and her on Thursday! Any suggestion where? =)

- Celine smsed to go exercise tmr.. Lol.. But I've already planned to visit my Grandparents at the Far Far East..... From the Wild Wild West. Love is walking the extra mile(s). Wanna do what I've 'preached' earlier and spend more time with my family members...

~~~

Met up with Jeff and his family (wife, mum n bro) for dinner at TAMPINES yesterday. I think it was quite funny how Jeff described me...

Jeff to his wife: Whenever she has nothing to do, she'll automatically switch to her 'screensaver' mode and start humming to herself. I find that quite irritating sometimes... Wonder how her bf can stand her...

LOL... Too bad la! My world is filled with melodies and songs and I'm too attracted to it. Anyway, you won't sing/hum when you're sad. Right? Haha.. And how do you whistle with remorse? Don't imagine. LOL!!!

Yaya I always zi high cos I visualize a lot of weird scenarios... People don't know why I laugh so much sometimes cos they can't see what I see... Muahahaha... I know Marilyn is capable of this too... Lol.......

~~~

What is now proved was once only imagined.
- WILLIAM BLAKE, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell

OH NO... =P

5 Embarrassing Grammatical Mistakes.
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/columns/?article=embarrassinggrammar

For some weird reason, I find grammatical errors irksome. Past, present and future tenses... Singular and plural terms... YA gotta be careful. Not that mine is glorious but I will try to keep it as clean as I can.

I have a friend who has an unusual 'criteria' for her guy and that is, her bf must have perfect grammar. Hahaha...

Yup, it's in the small little details... When telling tales. (A very hard attempt at rhyming.) Lol..

I thought to myself a lot about family today...

That though we may be young, each of us must take ownership of the family, knowing that we can make a (positive) difference. We must stand in the gap and bring everyone closer the best we know how. Think that the welfare of our family depends on us.

A lamp shouldn't be hidden under the bed, it should shine where it is the darkest. Otherwise, it loses its purpose. Light produces heat as a by-product (i.e the result of another action, often unforeseen or unintended.) Hence, likewise, when we rise up to the occasion and shine, we produce warmth in the house. =)

So let us not wait for one another to do something, instead, let us be the one today.

Had orchestra rehearsal today... Only 15~ turned up with only me and Elgin from the cello section... But I thought all of us played nice. Hehe... Gotta check out this ultimate emo song that we played, "Intermezzo Sinfonico"... Which got me feeling vvv nonchalant when I reached home............... And until now...............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4ADoCxEOzo (+ visual impact)

Oh well... Sigh... =(

SIGH................................................. =(

~~~

My bro talked to me tonight out of the bright blue moon... Hehe... Tried/trying to be his good sis. =) God, please teach me how to love him more from now till forevermore. =) For those who have seen him, he's actually quite cute... Hehehe... And he's obsessed with being fit and healthy... Always doing random workouts at home and eating boiled broccoli and carrots. LOL! (And what am I doing man... Hahahahaha) Hmmm... I must treasure him more... We should stick together through ups and downs.. Cos no matter what, blood is still thicker than water. Yes..

~~~

Sigh...

An Announcement.

Jeff is getting MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!

I was there when he got attached... (I dreamt that he had a girlfriend and asked him about it... Turned out to be true! Quite freaky huh.)

When he proposed... (At HK Disneyland... During the 'musical' fireworks display.)

and now when he marries. Hahaha..

Awww... I feel very honoured.

Anyway, life is but a short journey. Walk along with someone! =)

Well, in life we will surely fall... Yet to rise again, that is strength and courage. (However if you always eat Mac, you will need more strength.) - For 'dunnowho' Lol...

~~~

Musicians are infamous for letting emotions take control. They can turn into Korean drama scriptwriters/directors overnight... Love is really just a simple affair between 2 persons, yet they can create a love 'web' out of it. (I will be pleased with just a calefare/backstage role. Lol.) - For you-know-who =P

~~~

Oh YES!!! We are finally having orchestra rehearsals again after 3 long weeks. Hehe. So exciting/excited! Comments by my cello teacher ytd was motivating so I actually practised at 1am last night. Lol... Hmmmmmmmm maybe I really should have a bigger goal for cello????? Heh.

#1 HORROR.

SOMEONE ACTUALLY SAT ON MY PIANO LID YESTERDAY. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT.... TOTALLY... IT'S THE RUDEST THING ANYONE CAN EVER DO TO ME. I'M PROUD OF MYSELF FOR KEEPING MY COOL......... YUP. IT MUST HAVE BEEN SOME DIVINE ABILITY.

That guy is really courageous I would say.... Fancy treating a few K thing as a CHAIR... And it's really disgusting thinking that someone's butt was there before... It's something I wouldn't even do it myself what more others.. Gosh. I don't know... I'm really speechless.

My piano is really sad~ Been treated as an arm rest... a dining table... a top to put just about anything... and now a chair (hope the list stops here I can't imagine anything worse). PLEASE BE MORE CONSIDERATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

?!?!?!

After I polish it, I hope that I don't have such... nonsense anymore.............

Ok nvm I shall forgive 70 x 7 times............................

~~~

Heh, on a higher note, went to observe JAMS keyboardist today and so far I am really enjoying it. Though of cos I haven't played yet.. The students there were a bundle of joy!!! They were always very happy... And it was pure joy seeing them being so enthusiastic and responsive. God protects and loves the simple-minded.

Learnt how to set up the mics and stuff today... A lot of wires around... It's time to turn wireless!!! =P The keyboardists were really friendly and I have so much to learn from them... Heh. Fun fun.

I must be focused. Yes. FOCUS!!!!!!! So many things yet to be done once I grasp the concept of keyboard playing... For my cg and for my zone. Yes. My spirit is stirred up!!! But of cos have to take action steps, ie to practise!!!

Ya! Yes!

~~~

Now I'm burdened for my cello... VERY. EXTREMELY. I so lack the discipline to practise.. Goodness.... OK I MUST BE SERIOUS NEXT WEEK ALREADY. Lol. Must must... Just yesterday, I wrote down in my goal-setting to practise at least 2 hours a week... I know it's not very long but have to set achievable and realistic goals! Yes.

~~~

Till then, enjoy the week ahead! =) Be of good cheer!

Announcement!

I finally have a Facebook account. Lol. All thanks to Birdy who created it and helped do up.. Lol.. But is everyone getting bored of it now? LOL... =)

~~~

Had piano lesson this evening and since I haven't practised until the final hour, I wasn't very enthu/prepared for the lesson. Guess my teacher sensed it cos normally I'd be chirpy and high during lesson. Haha, oh well... She went through the 3rd and last exam piece today.

The 3rd song is always a headache for us... Cos all 3 choices are all quite hard to choose..
1st) Jazz (Sounds quite nice but I doubt I can bring out the essence of the song)

2nd) Boring and monotonous (It's titled "Bursleque"... Loud and heavy, Best played when angry. (Rhyme!))

3rd) Dull and dead (It sounds ominously mysterious... -_-zzZ)

Sigh... In the end, guess what's my choice???


2nd. The BORING AND MONOTONOUS. Why??? Cos monotonous means I'd just have to keep repeating those few notes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a loud piece so imagine me banging away on the piano!!!!! Lol.... While my teacher played it I laughed out la. Cos the song reminded me of a very fat man.

Very relieved that my exam pieces are more or less settled... Burden lifted~~ Next focus will be scales and perhaps theory...

~~~

A Little Trivial

Me: *Sing* Gong xi ah gong xi, fa ah fa da cai~
Weiwen: *Shout* HUAT AH!

LOL!!! I think we make good a duet.

Take a look around us, there're so many things to thank God for!!! I doubt one lifetime is ever enough... Somehow when you thank someone, you feel happy too hehe.

So slow down... Take deeper breaths... Appreciate the beauty of God's works all around us... =)

One recent night I was just talking to God and I was reminded that I matter to the One who is greater than the entire universe!!! In comparison, I may even be smaller than a speck of dust, yet I matter in God's eyes... And so do you...

And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
Luke 12:28 (New Living Translation)

Yup He cares.

~~~~~~~

and I HAVEN'T PRACTISED MY PIANO AND CELLO FOR 1 WEEK ALREADY.

So neglected... Haha... Cannot... Must get back my moti!!!!!!!

Leh long. Leh long!!!

I have a great juicy deal!!!

Is anyone interested to do albums?????????

Happen to know the music producer for "Piano Spa" and "Rock On Piano" and he's looking for people to work on "Piano Spa 4". Erm... He wants "young blood"...

Let me know!

Had a cg outing @ East Coast Park today.

Taught Weiwen how to rollerblade, glad that he has improved. Saw 2 girls struggling to blade, so I decided to help them as well... Everything was fine when I taught the 1st girl, but when I attended to the 2nd one... Well, she fell right in front of me, with me looking on helplessly... She fell on her butt using her left hand to cushion the impact, causing the bone in her left hand to jut out slightly...

The scene is still replaying in my mind... Sending chills down my spine and tears to my eyes (Rhyme? -_-) I hope she won't have phobia rollerblading in future... (Rhyme again...?) Oh well...... I know it wasn't my fault but I can't help feeling slightly guilty about it... ='( Totally traumatized.

The thing was when I first saw her, my first thought was 'Hmmm... She's really skinny...' Aiyaaaaa I'm just strange la. I will cringe seeing skinny people dance or do any form of exercise... No offense to anyone... Sigh... Eat ok...

The *beep* sound on the EZ-link reader signified the harbinger of a new year. It's no longer the double *beep* sound I loved to hear. And it hurts! Haha. 2007 has come to a close, I wouldn't say I'm happy or sad, just earnestly looking forward to the things in store in 2008.

Last year has been a pretty lax year for me, that means I haven't been stretching myself a lot and I wanna make sure that it won't be repeated this year. Highlight for 2007 would probably be finding back my passion in the piano, learning it again with much more gusto than 2 years ago, as well as getting into City Harvest Philharmonic Orchestra playing/learning the cello and making beautiful friendships. It's great getting in tune with our heart's desires. =P

This year, I forsee a year of many breakthroughs in terms of my relationship with God, with people and fulfilment of my goals, as I make a decision to change my character and attitude. It'll be a year of transition, of laying a strong foundation on which I shall build myself from. So friends, please help me along the way too! Hehehe. Life is exciting!!! Never lose the passion.

As I said, every phase of life has its own adventure, don't miss out on yours! Hop on the ride and enjoy the journey!!! Be open to what life has to offer us! Embrace them. =)

Hereby wishing all a Happy Belated New Year!!! Lol...